ICC T20 World Cup 2021: BCCI Asks 9 Venues To Continue Preparations For The Tournament In India

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in its 7th Apex Council meeting, which was held virtually on Friday, has decided on 9 venues, which includes the likes of Hyderabad and Dharamshala as well, for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 later in the year.

The seventh edition of the tournament was originally scheduled in Australia last year, but due to the pandemic, the event was postponed and shifted to India, which was initially fixed to host the 8th edition in 2021.  As per the reports, the final will be played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

“The nine venues have been informed and it was again discussed that preparations should continue for the showpiece event with an eye on the COVID-19 situation and a call will only be taken closer to the event. It is too early to imagine what can or will happen in October-November with regards to the coronavirus situation. But preparations shall be on,” BCCI sources in the know of developments told ANI.

India is the inaugural champion when former captain MS Dhoni-led the side to victory in South Africa in 2007. West Indies remain the only team to win the trophy twice, with one each for Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka.

The meeting also discussed India’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the next domestic season.

BCCI assures PCB for visa approvals for Pakistan players

The Indian government will grant visa approvals to the Pakistan cricketers for their participation in the tournament. Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, has informed the Apex Council about the government’s decision on giving visas to the Pakistan players.

“The visa issue of Pakistan cricket team has been sorted. However whether the fans can travel across the border to watch matches is still not clear,” an Apex Council member told PTI.

“It will be decided in due course of time. However we had promised ICC that it will be sorted. The secretary announced during the meeting,” he added.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief, Ehsan Mani had said that if they don’t get a written assurance from the BCCI, then they would urge ICC to shift the tournament away from India. However, now, with approval from the government, the Babar Azam-led outfit will be allowed to take part in the mega event.

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